Ask The Expert:
I’ve got two corn palms and a yucca plant which require soil with good drainage. Knowing from past experience that normal soil gets waterlogged easily I’ve mixed in equal parts sand and a small amount of pea gravel; am I right in thinking that this will be more suitable? – Matthew
Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:
The idea soil for most plants is loam (a mixture of sand, silt and clay). This type of soil is ideal because it allows the water to drain freely while still retaining nutrients and moisture.
Although your soil mixture will drain well, it won’t have the right organic (nutrient) content, and may not allow for proper water reserves. I would try adding peat moss, humus or compost manure to your mixture. All components should have a 1 to 1 ratio.
I hope this information was helpful.